On Saturday, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a proponent of a number of alternative health ideals, predicted that if elected president, Trump will demand fluoride removal from drinking water on his first day.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has long been an advocate fluoride, saying it strengthens teeth and lowers cavities by replenishing minerals lost through regular wear and tear.

This theory was so well accepted that it was considered one of the greatest public health triumphs of the last century that a modest doses of fluoride was added to drinking water.

Kennedy's Comments

According to Kennedy, who made the announcement on Saturday on the social media platform X, fluoride has a number of negative health effects.

“On January 20, the Trump White House will advise all U.S. water systems to remove fluoride from public water,” Kennedy wrote.

The plaintiff in that case, the environmental advocacy group Food & Water Watch, was represented by lead attorney Michael Connett, whom Kennedy tagged in his Saturday X post.

The president and first lady Melania Trump "want to Make America Healthy Again," he continued, reiterating a Trump campaign slogan that he links to John F. Kennedy.

On January 20, the Trump White House will advise all U.S​. water systems to remove fluoride from public water. Fluoride is an industrial waste associated with arthritis, bone fractures, bone cancer, IQ loss, neurodevelopmental disorders, and thyroid disease. President…

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) November 2, 2024

Not so fast

On Sunday, Trump stated to NBC News that he had not yet discussed fluoride with Kennedy, but believes that it is feasible.

The former president refrained from indicating whether he would pursue a Cabinet position for Kennedy, a position that would necessitate Senate confirmation. However, he did state, “He’s going to have a big role in the administration.”

When asked whether the possibility of prohibiting specific vaccines would be considered, Trump responded that he would consult with Kennedy and other relevant parties. Trump characterized Kennedy as "a very talented individual who holds strong opinions."

The Response

The sudden and unanticipated social media post over the weekend evoked the chaotic policymaking that characterized Trump's White House tenure, during which he would issue policy declarations on Twitter at nearly all hours.

It also emphasized the apprehensions of numerous experts regarding Kennedy, who has consistently advocated for medical theories that are in direct opposition to the widely promoted ideals of vaccine safety that are promoted by the manufacturers, and the potential impact this could have on public health.

On Floride

Federal officials promoted water fluoridation to prevent tooth decay in 1950 and continued to do so after fluoride toothpaste brands were introduced.

However, Research shows that Americans get most of their fluoride from drinking water.

In 2015, officials reduced their recommendation for drinking water fluoride levels to address the growing risk of tooth splotches caused by fluorosis in U.S. children.

A federal agency found a moderate association between higher fluoride exposure and poorer IQ among children in August. The National Toxicology Program based its conclusion on studies with fluoride levels twice the drinking water guideline.